Driver was on phone to father in Ukraine, court hears

Friday 15 September 2023

A man caught using his phone while driving along in St. Helier has told the Magistrate's Court he was trying to reach his father in Ukraine.

Mykola Yakovetskyi (20) said his father was in the war-torn country and it was not always possible to get a signal to speak to him and check on his welfare.

And he told the Magistrate's Court: "I am a very law-abiding citizen."

But he admitted the offence.

The court heard that he was seen at 09:15 on the morning of 7 July, using his phone while driving his red Peugeot in the area of The Parade.

Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz fined him £200 but decided not to endorse his licence.